Monday, January 13, 2014

winter neutrals

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 As of late I'm all about winter neutrals- clean, sharp and timeless.  So simple and attainable, yet, at the same time it's such an enviable look. Check out this Pinterest board I stumbled on for more neutral looks or head over to my boards for some of my favorite style finds.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

and the award goes to...

Award season has arrived and I am thrilled! Last night was spent with a good glass of wine, my mom's infamous pasta/sauce/meatballs and of course the Golden Globes. I must admit the red carpet is by far my favorite part! I love watching Giuliana and the rest of the E! crew mingle with the stars (did anyone else drool over G's insane jewels?!) Hello major plug for Forevermark! 
Some summers back I had the thrilling opportunity to work at the Tony Awards-it was then that I realized the crazy hustle and bustle that truly encompasses an award show! Some trends I couldn't help but notice... 1. baby bumps! (Kerri, Drew, Wilde) 2. metallics! (Zoe Deschanel, Kate Beckinsale, Mila Kunis...) 3. Tom Ford (Hayden Panettiere, Naomi Watts & Liev...). Here's a look at the stunners of the night that I just had to spotlight! Who were you most excited to see on the carpet?...Don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to Fashion Police on E! 


gorgeous as always. via

swooning. via

ice ice baby. via

fresh & effortless. via

color blocking. via

Saturday, January 11, 2014

foodie

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How delicious are these photos? Fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, array of textures and flavor...they just scream yum! I love how food is more than just a means of sustenance- it brings family and friends together and is a wonderful way of celebrating life and culture. Hope your weekend involves some good company, fine wine and delicious eats! 
Bon a petit! 

Thursday, January 9, 2014

polar vortex repeller

This persistent cold is seriously taking a toll on my skin! Chapped lips, cracked hands, unsightly cuticles...these cold weather side-effects are all things I can live without. This is where *ta-da* Egyptian Magic comes into play. As a self proclaimed beauty product aficionado I've done my research and Egyptian Magic lives up to it's boisterous hype. Kate Hudson, Brooke Shields and Emily Blunt are a few among the long list of celebs who are big fans of this product.
The balm is made with olive oil, honey, beeswax, royal jelly, bee pollen and bee propolist; there's no added preservatives, parabens or fragrances which makes it all that more appealing in my book. 
Enough about my rant- if you're seriously over the hold the cold has on your skin pick up a jar of Egyptian Magic. It's also said to do wonders on scars, dandruff, stretch marks...maybe this stuff really is magic?! You can decide for yourself, but I'm all about the magic ;) 


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Monday, January 6, 2014

financially fearless

Circling back to one of my New Years goals- in 2014 I'm determined to become financially fearless! Money is such a daunting concept for me and for the past year I've really put off setting and sticking to a budget. I'm not necessarily reckless with my money, but there's still so much for me to learn about setting goals and sticking to a customized budget.
Life is to be enjoyed which is why I don't believe in depriving yourself when it comes to buying a long sought after treat (hello Louis) or a fun vacation with friends (Cabo anyone?) -which is why I was drawn to Alexa Von Tobbel's approach to finance...
Alexa is the founder and CEO of Learnvest.com- a leading website for financial planning. Her program is effective, simple to understand and truly personalized to your current financial situation, goals and future security.
Her book, Financially Fearless just arrived in the mail today and I can't wait to dig in and get more comfortable with money so I can stop worrying about it! Like Alexa says, "not having a plan is a plan- just a really, really bad one."

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Sunday, January 5, 2014

warm weather wishing

Currently there's a winter weather warning in Michigan which brings me to think how lucky I was just the other day when I was spending Christmas - New Years with my family in sunny, lovable Florida. We spent the majority of the trip enjoying fabulous dinners out, poolside with cocktails in hand and of course I snuck in some needed shopping. We were in Jupiter most of the trip then ended the New Year in Naples at the most adorable beachside hotel. I just stumbled on this Lilly guide to Naples and had to share! Lilly just gets me ;) 
Here's some pictures from our trip. It was so great spending a full week with the family which doesn't seem to happen too often these days. Stay warm everyone! 

enjoying the sites. 
surprise pool visitor. 
take me back! 
Jacks + Lilly.  
burger on the beach. had to be done. 


Saturday, January 4, 2014

new year, new you?

So cliche, but WOW did this new year come quick. Sorry, but where did Christmas go?! I feel robbed! Ready or not 2014 is here and I'm determined to make it a good one. Last year was full of exciting and memorable adventures- Traverse City, Italy, NYC, Philly and Florida.  Sad, however, true I came to the realization that I was never actually living in the present. I'm a big planner and have the habit of always looking ahead, anticipating the next and often that leaves me forgetting to STOP, breath and appreciate the now. 

This year I'm vouching to live in the now, I want to fully appreciate experiences as they are happening! 
I want to take control of my finances- time to get knowledgable and stop living like a carefree college student. I want to be more sociable- it's so easy to get dragged down by the mundane daily grind- this is the year to truly make more of an effort with loved ones and friends. I want to read more- both for pleasure and for the general sake of knowing what's happening in the world. I also want to plan a trip with the boyfriend (this circles back to saving $$). 

I'm not a huge advocate for eccentric New Year's resolutions, but these feel pretty attainable and necessary. Overall, I want to be more positive and happy because I have a lot to be grateful and thankful for :) So 2014, let's do this! 
                                                                           Cheers! 
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